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Does Posting Food Porn Lead to Healthy Eating?

Does Posting Food Porn Lead to Healthy Eating? What’s the first thing you do when a beautiful meal is placed in front of you? If you’re like me (and the rest of the world’s foodies) chances are you’re probably pulling out your phone to snap a quick photo for Instagram before digging in.
We’ve all given in to the #foodporn obsession. It’s Instagram’s most popular hashtag — whether we’re posting food ourselves or admiring other posts on our feed. It’s so popular that one London restaurant even started Instagram foodie packs, offering free kits (complete with an LED camera light, charger, clip-on camera lens, and tripod selfie stick) that help Instagrammers get the perfect food shot.
But “food porn” is more than just a pretty picture: A new study found that it can also help you stick to a diet or healthy eating plan, serving as an “interactive journal” of sorts where people can use Instagram to track their meals and rely on followers to support their process.
“I do have many clients who find taking and posting pictures to be extremely helpful, specifically for accountability,” says Lisa Moskovitz, CEO and founder of The NY Nutrition Group. “Not only are you putting it out there for who knows how many people, but you’re also gaining support and validation as well.”
It’s not a perfect method, though — especially when it comes to factors like self-esteem…and we all know the internet is notorious for trolling and other hateful activity.
“This can be a positive approach or a negative one if you’re someone who doesn’t do well with criticism or relies heavily on positive reinforcement or validation,” she says.
If you are maintaining a food-Instagram for the sake of staying on track, integrity is key: “The most effective way to use Instagram is to be realistic and honest with your posts,” says Moskovitz.
And, of course, making sure your food looks pretty is also a must.
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your Instagram, or simply enjoy following food posts, here are some great #foodporn accounts.
@deliciouslyella

Ella’s motto is “celebrating what you can do with delicious, plant based ingredients.” After being diagnosed with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, Ella decided to dedicate her life to creating recipes centered on a whole-foods, plant based diet. Her food is as vibrant as it is healthy — you’ll see every color of the rainbow in her cooking.
To find Ella’s recipes, check out her blog here.
@foodheavenshow

What’s better than two best friends running a food Instagram together? Wendy and Jess are both registered dietitians with the philosophy that “healthy eating should be delicious, cost effective and relatively painless.” Their plant-based, mouthwatering recipes are proof of that.
The dynamic duo also runs a successful website and podcast.
@pinchofyum

Lindsay does more than take pretty photos — she uses Instagram’s video feature to offer quick meal tutorials for her followers. She’s big on ensuring that her recipes are delicious, but also practical for busy cooks.
To find Lindsay’s recipes, check out her blog here.
— Head photo: Pixabay.
What’s the first thing you do when a beautiful meal is placed in front of you? If you’re like me (and the rest of the world’s foodies) chances are you’re